Two measures have been filed this session dealing with mopeds and scooters, according to a quick search of bill texts on the N.C. General Assembly’s website.

House Bill 48, filed by Phil Shepard, R-Onslow, would require insurance for anybody driving a moped or scooter. His bill would additionally require that mopeds and scooters be registered and have tags.

Shepard said he’s heard from many people in his district on this issue and he’s confident the effort may gain traction this year. He’s concerned about what happens if there’s an accident between a vehicle and an unlicensed driver of a moped. It’s not fair for the insured vehicle driver to bear the burden if the accident is the moped driver’s fault, he said.

“If they’re going to be on our roadways they should have insurance,” he said.

Shepard said the reason he supports requiring registration and tags is because law enforcement officials have expressed concern that the mopeds are used in drug deals and then ditched and there’s no way to trace the owner.

However, Shepard said he would stop short of requiring moped drivers to have a driver’s license. Opponents of stricter rules for mopeds say it’s the only viable method of transportation for someone to get to work who can’t obtain a driver’s license for whatever reason, including too many DWIs.

Shepard said he expects the bill to get a hearing in the next week or so.

Also in the hopper dealing with mopeds is House Bill 109. It would repeal a North Carolina law that requires drivers of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters to wear helmets. Protective headgear would become a choice for insured drivers over age 21.

“It’s called liberty. That’s the word I like to use these days,” said Charlie Boone, state vice president of the Concerned Bikers Association and a proponent of the bill.

House Bill 109’s primary sponsors are Rep. John Torbett, R-Gaston, and Rep. Michael Speciale, a Republican from New Bern.

The bill passed the House Transportation Committee Tuesday and is headed to a House Judiciary panel.

NOTE: This question was updated on March 26, 2013. It was originally answered in 2010 by Veronica Gonzalez.

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